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We’re in Quebec, where snow is present for pretty much half of the year. Despite the cold, it’s still possible to take photos outside! In order to avoid freezing, here are five tips to nail your winter photoshoot.
Dress for the weather
During winter, it’s possible to do an outdoor photoshoot down to -15°C. Contrary to rain, snowflakes don’t have any negative impact on the proceedings (they actually add a magical touch to the images!)
Let’s be honest, though. Most winter coats aren’t photogenic. They almost always make use look like the Michelin man! If you don’t like your coat and don’t want to see it in the pictures, wear several layers of clothes. For instance, put a long-sleeve cotton long sleeve shirt under a thick wool sweater and fleeced-lined or thermal tights under your pants. It will be possible to remove your coat for a few minutes and put it back on between the shots to warm up.
Similarly, wear appropriate footwear as well. If the session is taking place in an urban setting, wearing shoes or ankle boots should be fine. However, if we’re going in the forest with a thick layer of snow, it will be essential to wear waterproof boots to stay warm and dry.
Accessorize your outfit
Now that your body is protected, don’t forget about your extremities. Indeed, we’re losing most of our body heat from there. In order to avoid getting sick, add a matching hat or headband, scarf and mittens to your outfit. Not only will they add the finishing touch to your look, but staying warm will make the session much more enjoyable for you.
Bring « heat packs » with you
On top of that, I also recommend adding « heat packs » in your mittens and boots. You can find disposable models for about 1,50$ each in most drugstores. You simply have to activate them one hour before our session, then place them in your mittens and boots. These models emit warmth for up to eight hours, which will be more than enough for our appointment!
Use props that will keep you warm
Most people aren’t used to being in front of the camera. This is why I suggest bringing props to make the process more natural. With a winter photoshoot, they can double as ways to warm you up. For instance, a blanket can be put on snow if you want to sit on the ground, then placed on your shoulders to keep you warm. A hot chocolate mug will make an excellent prop to keep your hands busy, but also to warm you from the inside. In a similar way, if you live in a city that allows outdoor fires, it’s possible to do the session around the fire pit.
Move!
Finally, one of the best ways to avoid freezing during your winter photoshoot is to move! Different winter activities look great when photographed. Whether it’s skating with the love of your life, sledding with your family or doing a snow fight, these games will allow us to capture stunning moments while making you forget about the temperature.
Last update: February 2024
Would you like to book a session like this? Contact me at lisamarie.savard@yahoo.ca to do so!
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